What Is Group Therapy? 

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Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that brings multiple people together under the guidance of a licensed therapist. These sessions are structured and involve working on common goals, exploring personal issues, and supporting one another through healing and growth. Group therapy can address a wide range of issues, including mental health challenges, substance use, grief, trauma, and social anxiety. East Point Behavioral Health includes group therapy as part of our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS), providing a supportive environment for our clients.

What Is Group Therapy? 

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Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that brings multiple people together under the guidance of a licensed therapist. These sessions are structured and involve working on common goals, exploring personal issues, and supporting one another through healing and growth. Group therapy can address a wide range of issues, including mental health challenges, substance use, grief, trauma, and social anxiety. East Point Behavioral Health includes group therapy as part of our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS), providing a supportive environment for our clients.

East Point Behavioral Health: Group Therapy in Massachusetts

Group therapy is a core component of our psychiatric day treatment program. It’s effective for treating a wide range of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and gambling. A group setting helps individuals see that they’re not alone in their struggles and that they can seek support from others. This is an empowering feeling for most, especially those who feel that they’ve been misunderstood due to their mental health challenges.

Here at East Point Behavioral Health, we take great care in putting our therapy groups together. Our groups are small, ensuring that everyone gets the time and attention they deserve. New members are welcomed with open arms and given the appropriate time to grow comfortable in our setting. Rest assured that you will never be forced to share when you’re not ready. Healing must be done on your own time.

We encourage all clients to participate in group therapy, as it enhances the recovery process by creating a supportive setting where participants can connect with others facing similar challenges. Individual therapy, on the other hand, focuses more on your personal needs. Together, these two types of therapy can give you the foundation you need to heal from your mental health challenges.

Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?

East Point Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. While we do not specialize in substance use disorders (SUD), we address co-occurring conditions and can connect you with trusted SUD treatment referrals if needed. Our mission is to remove barriers to mental health care by offering immediate intervention and prompt access to treatment. Contact us today to start your journey toward mental wellness!

Diverse people in a support group
Diverse people in a support group

The Group Therapy Process: What to Expect

If you haven’t participated in group therapy before, it’s normal to feel apprehensive about the process. Keep in mind that what you share and when is up to you—always. Here is more of what you can expect during group therapy sessions:

  • The therapy group meets in a private room. When everyone is seated, the therapist takes the lead and starts the conversation.
  • The therapist asks all members to introduce themselves. Since most programs at our treatment center are 10-12 weeks long, there are always new people entering our groups.
  • Each group therapy session focuses on a specific topic, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, or trauma. The therapist opens up the discussion to the members, who then have an opportunity to share their experiences and listen to others.
  • While all members are encouraged to share, it’s not mandatory. You don’t have to share if you don’t feel comfortable, though you should actively listen to others and be aware of your emotions.
  • The session ends on a positive note with closing comments. It’s possible that your therapist may send you away with “homework,” such as setting boundaries or practicing coping skills.
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Types of Group Therapy

Not all group therapy courses are the same. As an IOS that treats many different mental health conditions, our group therapy sessions focus on different skills and topics. Your treatment team will determine the best types of group therapy for your needs. Common types include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that improves emotional well-being by recognizing the thoughts and behaviors that are causing your distress. CBT can be practiced individually or as a group. In a group setting, a CBT session helps group members identify negative thoughts, challenge and reframe these thoughts, and then build and practice coping skills.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is rooted in CBT principles, though it also includes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be practiced one-on-one or in a group setting. Unlike traditional group therapy, DBT groups emphasize skills training rather than the deep processing of personal issues. Outside of DBT group, you will practice the skills you’re learning in real-world situations.

Skills Development Group

Skills development groups focus on teaching practical, actionable skills to help individuals manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships. Examples include role playing, boundary setting, and mindfulness. These groups involve more hands-on exercises compared to others that discuss personal issues in depth.

Interpersonal Group Therapy

Interpersonal group therapy centers on interpersonal relationships and social interactions and how they affect an individual’s mental health and well-being. What makes interpersonal group therapy unique is that it focuses on the “here-and-now,” allowing you to work on the relationships you form within the group itself rather than focusing solely on outside connections.

Why Is Group Therapy Important?

Group therapy helps individuals realize that they are not alone in their experiences. Hearing from others who are facing similar struggles reduces isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. It provides an opportunity for real-time feedback, and you get to learn by watching others handle challenges, express emotions, and practice coping strategies. Group therapy also gives you a safe, non-judgmental space for practicing social skills.

Another benefit of group therapy is that it’s flexible and can be used to treat a number of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, low self-esteem, and stress. Not only will you be learning important skills to improve your life but also you will be building up your support system, which is helpful as you go out into the world and apply the skills you learned.

Diverse people in a support group
A group of people sitting in a circle with two therapists and a woman in the center discussing and providing emotional support for her The focus is on the woman but everyone is engaged in conversation
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Get Started With Group Therapy Today

East Point Behavioral Health offers various forms of group therapy to accommodate our clients’ needs. If you are ready to take the next steps to healing, contact us today. We ensure that our group therapy sessions remain positive and welcoming for everyone, and we take pride in watching healthy relationships grow and thrive.